Today we will talk about topics such as: Operating system families: DOS, OS/2, UNIX, WINDOWS.

OS of the DOS family.

The first representative of this family is MS-DOS system (Microsoft Disk Operating System - disk operating system from Microsoft) was released in 1981 in connection with the advent of IBM PC computers.

DOS family operating system have the following characteristic features:

• Single-user.
• Single-tasking.
• Has a command interface.
• 16-bit.
• By type of resource management – ​​non-network.
• It has a modular structure that simplifies the transfer of the system to other types of computers.
• Small amount of available RAM (640 KB, up to 1 MB).
• A significant drawback of the DOS family of operating systems is the lack of protection against unauthorized access to PC and OS resources.

Example

OS MS-DOS 6.22., MS DOS 8.0 integrated into Windows ME, DOS PC 2000.

Since version 4.0, MS-DOS included DOS Shell – a file manager program with a quasi-graphical text user interface (TUI) that featured menus, windows splits, color themes, mouse support, and program shortcuts using character mode graphics.

OS family OS/2

OS/2 (Operating System/2) was developed by IBM in 1987 in connection with the creation of a new family of PS/2 PCs.

OS/2 family operating systems have the following characteristic features:

• Single-user OS.
• Second-generation multitasking OS: allows you to organize parallel work of several application programs, while ensuring protection of one program from another and the OS from programs running under its control.
• It has GUI.
• 32-bit.
• The native file system is HPFS.
• Flaw OS/2– a small number of applications for it, which makes this system less popular than, for example, Windows.

Example

Using OS/2: OS/2 WSeB 4.5x as a file server.

UNIX family OS

UNIX OS was developed by Ken Thompson, an employee of Bell Laboratories of the AT&T concern in 1969 for various computers: from supercomputers to minicomputers. Since then it has been created a large number of various UNIX systems. Legally, only a few of them have the full right to be called "UNIX"; the rest, although they use similar concepts and technologies, are united under the term “UNIX-like”. During the development of Unix systems, the SI language was created.

UNIX family OS has the following characteristic features:

• Multi-user OS.
• Multitasking OS.
• Network OS.
• Command OS, graphical shell: X Window.
• 32-bit, 64-bit.
• mobile: it is possible to transfer the system from one machine architecture to another with minimal cost.
• has several types of shells (Shell), i.e. interfaces for interaction between the kernel and the user.
• File system: NFS (Network File System).
• use of simple text files to configure and manage the system.
• widespread use of utilities launched on the command line.
• interaction with the user through a virtual device – a terminal.
• representing physical and virtual devices and some interprocess communications as files.
• using pipelines of several programs, each of which performs one task.

Linux(full name GNU/Linux) is a UNIX-like OS. Linux A free operating system originally developed by Linus Torvalds. First official version announced October 5 1991.

Versions: Debian GNU/Linux is a non-national international distribution (as well as its branches, including the super-popular Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu), American Red Hat and its successor Fedora, the French-Brazilian Mandriva, formerly Mandrake and Conectiva.

WINDOWS family OS

Story Windows started in 1985 the year when the first version of the system (shell) appeared. A few years later, the second version was released, but the Windows system did not gain much popularity.

In 1990 came out Windows 3.0 which began to be used on many PCs (graphical interface, multitasking mode, the emergence of many programs running under Windows).

Subsequent versions Windows were aimed at increasing reliability, supporting multimedia and working in computer networks.

All representatives Windows OS can be divided into two lines:

1. Windows 9.x (95/98/Me).
2. Windows NT (NT4/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/2008 Server/7).

Only the Windows NT family includes operating systems for servers.

Windows operating systems have the following characteristic features:

• Multi-user OS.
• Multitasking OS.
• Network and non-network OS.
• Graphic OS.
• 32/64-bit.
• Connecting new devices via Plug technology and Play.
• File system: FAT32, NTFS.

Representatives of the Windows family:

Windows 3.x (3.0/3.1/3.11). Operating shells running under MS-DOS.

Windows 95(first OS). The interface has changed, the speed of programs has increased, the ability to automatically configure additional equipment, and the ability to work with the Internet.

Windows 95 OSR2. Many Windows 95 bugs have been fixed, support for several new devices has been added, and the ability to use the FAT32 file system has been added.

Windows 98. The external interface has been preserved, the internal structure has been redesigned, a lot of attention has been paid to working with the Internet, and the ability to work with multiple monitors.

Windows 98 SE. Version 5 included Internet Explorer, updated Internet connection system, numerous bug fixes and a new driver library.

Windows NT(1992 - NT 3.0, 1994 - NT 3.5, 1996 - NT 4.0), were developed to increase the reliability and power of network operation.

Available in two versions:

1. Windows NT Server – designed to manage network resources.
2. Windows NT Workstation – designed to work on local computers and workstations.

Windows 2000 (NT 5.0). Developed on the basis of Windows NT and inherited from it high reliability and security of information from outside interference.

Windows Me. The successor to Windows 98, it has acquired new capabilities: improved work with multimedia, the ability to record not only audio, but also video information, powerful means of recovering information after failures.

WindowsXP. The introduction of a 64-bit version, the first OS with a fully customizable interface, support for CD-R burning and CD-RW discs at the level of the OS itself, etc.

Windows CE. Designed exclusively for installation on “pocket” computers.

Windows Server 2003. Contains all the features needed for a Windows server OS, focusing on security, reliability, availability and scalability. Versions: Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, Datacenter Edition, Web Edition.

Windows Vista. Release plan Windows versions Vista is optimized for key user categories—individuals, small businesses, midsize, and large organizations—and the software usage patterns that fit within those categories. The main goal of the Windows Vista family is to most closely match the set of software products offered to consumer needs.

Windows Server 2008(codename "Longhorn Server") – a new version server operating system from Microsoft. This version should replace Windows Server 2003 as a representative of the Vista generation operating systems.

Windows 7(formerly known by the code names Blackcomb and Vienna) is a version of the Windows family of computer operating systems that follows Windows Vista.

It can rightfully be called Windows. Since their final formation, these operating systems in the form in which we know them today have gained unprecedented popularity, despite the fact that all of them (except for the upgrade to Windows 10) were and remain paid. However, this does not stop anyone in the post-Soviet space, since unofficial activators can be found quite simply for the system. But more on that later.

What is Windows?

And perhaps it’s worth starting with what operating systems from Microsoft are. Here you need to clearly understand that the operating system as such is the very environment without which not a single computer will work.

Not only does it communicate between the hardware components of the computer and its own software, it also performs the function of launching user applications to perform completely different tasks, and completely different levels complexity and system requirements for the computer.

But what is Windows in terms of operating system? At one time, when the creation of OS in the C+/C++ languages ​​using object-oriented programming methods was just beginning, the emphasis was placed on making access to all functions and programs for the user as simplified as possible. To do this, it was no longer necessary to enter commands, as was previously the case in DOS-like systems, and interaction was carried out through the use of a graphical interface, in which the main element was the windows of the programs being opened. Actually, that is why the entire OS family got its name.

The OS itself is somewhat similar to a certain manager in the public understanding, who gives instructions to subordinates or entire departments to perform certain actions, forming a single hierarchical organization with strictly defined access rights to various functions. Moreover, such a manager not only manages the entire enterprise, but also, as it were, communicates with partners.

A little history

Let's figure out a little about what Windows systems are. Now let's look at how their evolution took place. The first in the line was the operating system version 1.01, followed by modifications 2.0 and 3.X. True, they were still far from their modern appearance.

A real revolutionary event was the release of the Windows 95 modification. It was this modification that served as the prototype for all currently existing systems, although it was far from perfect. After its recognition, desktop and server versions began to appear in the world (98, 2000, Server, Millennium, etc.), which were already divided according to a clear focus on the tasks performed (for example, to install one system for all terminals on a local network). Today, the most popular remain Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 (and its version 8.1) and the newest one in the form of the tenth development. Vista, however, due to its incompleteness, falls out of this list, but other systems are used today very widely and successfully.

What other operating systems are there?

But Windows has plenty of competitors. If you look at the variety of operating systems, most of them have a similar graphical interface (UNIX-like OS, including Linux, Mac OS X developments, BeOS and even mobile systems, in which, however, the organization of the interface is somewhat different).

Outdated DOS-like systems are becoming a thing of the past. However, this does not mean at all that the computer world has completely decided to abandon their use. Just remember the Windows command console, which clearly resembles DOS.

In the division of systems, another point that can be noted is that with the advent of new processors, the architecture began to be taken into account. Today, two main ones are accepted - 32 and 64 bits (or x86 and x64). Accordingly, this applies to operating systems as well. So, for example, Windows 64-bit architecture will not work on a 32-bit processor, but vice versa - no problem. Here the performance of the hardware comes first, which should ensure the functioning of the operating systems themselves and the installed application software.

Where can I download the installation distribution?

As for installing the system, you can download Windows for free even on the official Microsoft resource. But the catch is that any of the currently existing Windows operating systems must be activated during the installation process or upon completion by entering a special license key. But you will have to pay for it, if, of course, you want to get an official modification of the system.

In addition, one can immediately note the fact that for Windows Russian the language will be offered as the main one even when accessing the website of the developer corporation. The same applies to the installation process and the base language of the installed system.

Drivers for Windows

But it’s not enough to just install the operating system. Hardware will not work without drivers (special control programs). Of course, at the installation and configuration stage, Windows systems themselves install most drivers from their own directory, which supports most well-known devices.

But it also has its downsides. Firstly, not all non-standard devices are detected by the system. Secondly, Windows cannot update drivers on its own. And this can cause errors and failures associated with the inoperability of both hardware and, as a consequence, software.

You can view the installed equipment in a special section called “Device Manager”. It is better to update using programs like Driver Booster.

Useful utilities

OS Windows is not supplied in a “pure” form. They have their own standard set preinstalled programs. However, it is so scarce that users have to install additional software themselves.

First of all, this concerns protective anti-virus software, various types of archivers (although in Windows latest versions there is a built-in ZIP utility), office programs for working with documents, additional codecs and decoders for multimedia, browser extensions (for example, Flash Player), optimizers for cleaning or speeding up the system, etc.

Activation issues

As already mentioned, you can download and install Windows 7 for free. It’s just that during the installation process you will be asked license key. Activation can be postponed, but the system will constantly remind you of this, and after a while it may turn out to be completely inoperable.

You can bypass such procedures by disabling the requirement in system registry, however, it is much easier to use programs like KMSAuto Net, although this method can be called, to put it mildly, illegal. However, the activation works, only executable file programs cannot be deleted. You should also agree to adding the task of reactivating every ten days to the Task Scheduler.

Updates

Microsoft releases update packages with enviable regularity, despite previous statements that they will not be provided for the tenth version of the system at all. Basically, all updates concern pre-installed platforms (DirectX, . NET Framework etc.), patching holes in the security system, as well as installing updates for other company software products, if such an item is enabled in the automatic update mode.

Why do errors periodically occur in the system and how to deal with them?

However, the updates themselves can cause critical errors in the system. Some packages are not finalized at all. Thus, if failures occur specifically related to updates, they can be removed (programs and components section). You just need to get rid of them one by one, making constant reboot system until the faulty package is identified.

Then it searches for updates in manual mode, and unnecessary updates are excluded from the list.

No less common are errors that appear due to the accumulation of computer garbage in the system. There are no native optimization tools in Windows (except for cleaning and checking the disk, defragmentation, etc.). In some cases, it helps to install optimizer programs that can not only clean and speed up on demand, but also monitor the state of the system in real time.

The same applies to the remnants of deleted applications. The built-in system tools work extremely inefficiently, so uninstaller programs (for example, iObit Uninstaller) come to the rescue. They even remove programs built into the system that cannot be removed with standard tools (not counting command line and PowerShell console).

Finally, user-installed applications can cause conflicts, not to mention mindless interference with system settings and parameters. But sometimes disabling Windows components can solve many problems, not to mention using the services section, where you can enable or disable individual processes along with similar actions in the “Task Manager” and startup.

Brief summary

Here's a brief overview of what Windows is and what other operating systems there are. Naturally, it is simply impossible to describe all functions and all systems. Nevertheless, every user must clearly understand that the operating system is a kind of layer between the hardware and software of the computer and the user, who is focused on performing an integral task. computer system certain narrowly focused tasks.

Operating system (OS) is a set of interrelated programs that are loaded when the PC is turned on and:

Ø control the operation of all PC devices, ensure the integrity of their functioning;

Ø provide the user with access to hardware capabilities;

Ø control loading into memory and execution of all programs;

Ø provide an interface (organize interaction) between the user and the computer.

When you turn on your PC, the OS is read from the disk (where it is stored) and placed in RAM - this is The OS is always the first to load into the OP and completes its work only when the PC is turned off.

OS features include:

· carrying out a dialogue with the user;

· input/output and data management;

· planning and organizing the program processing process;

distribution of resources (RAM and cache, processor, external devices);

· launching programs for execution;

· various auxiliary maintenance operations;

· transfer of information between various internal devices;

· software support peripheral devices(display, keyboard, etc.).

Main OS components:

· I/O control programs;

· programs that manage the file system and schedule tasks for the computer;

· a command language processor that executes commands addressed to the OS.

OS WINDOWS(English: "windows")

WINDOWS – a graphical OS that has greater capabilities compared to DOS (disk operating system).

Most PCs in the world run an OS environment Windows companies Microsoft.

Windows 7 – the final version was released in 2009. The OS is in the Windows NT family, following Windows Vista. The option to return to the classic menu and automatic docking of the browser and email client have disappeared from the Start menu.

Windows Vista Home Premium is an OS introduced to users at the end of January 2007.

Windows XP continues the line Windows NT. The advantages of this OS are increased reliability and security. Crash separate program does not cause any consequences for the system as a whole and for all other programs. The system implements full-fledged network security measures. In OS Windows XP Home Edition A number of functions implemented in the OS are not supported Windows XP Professional :

Ø remote control computer;

Ø support for dual-processor system;

Ø file encryption, etc.

Windows NT (NT– English N ew T echnology – new technologies) takes advantage of the latest PC models and works without DOS. The OS is convenient for users working within a local network, for groups working on large projects and exchanging data.

Windows 2000 – OS for business use on a wide variety of PCs, from laptops to servers. The OS is the best for conducting business on the Internet.

Windows CE – OS for mobile computing devices (pocket computers, digital information pagers, Cell Phones, multimedia and entertainment consoles, DVD players, etc.). The OS allows devices to “talk” and exchange information with each other, communicate with corporate networks and the Internet, and use E-mail.

Windows 98 – OS integrated with browser Internet Explorer, Improved compatibility with new computer hardware.

Windows 95 - an integrated environment that ensures the exchange of information between programs and provides the ability to work with multimedia, ensures the work online, the ability to share printers, faxes and other shared resources. The OS allows you to send E-mail, faxes, and supports remote access. The user interface is simple and convenient. After turning on the PC and running test programs BIOS The OS boots automatically from the hard drive. After loading and initializing the OS, the screen appears Desktop, on which various graphic objects.

Windows 3.1 – graphical shell for MS-DOS.

The main distinctive features of the WINDOWS OS are:

T Multitasking

T Flexibility, i.e. you can get the same result different ways

T Unified hardware-software graphical user interface

Main network operating systems:

Ø OS options Windows 2000:

§ Windows 2000 Professional OS for PC and workstations

§ Windows 2000 Server OS for small and medium servers

§ Windows 2000 Advanced Server OS for large servers

§ Windows 2000 DataCenter Server OS for particularly large companies or for maintaining very large Internet sites

Ø Windows NT OS includes server (Windows NT Server) and client (Windows NT Workstation) parts and ensures operation in client/server networks. Windows NT is used in medium-sized networks.

Ø OS UNIX used mainly in large corporate networks, the system is characterized by high reliability and the ability to scale the network.

Ø Novell Netware OS consists of a server part and shells Shell, hosted on client nodes. This OS is more often used in small networks.

Network OS functions:

Ø directory and file management– physically located in other network nodes;

Ø resource management– servicing requests for the provision of resources over the network;

Ø communication functions provide a choice of the direction of data movement, etc.;

Ø protection against unauthorized access. Access to data only from certain terminals, at a specified time, a certain number of times, etc. The user may have his own access rights with restrictions on the available directories or list of actions;

Ø fault tolerance– use of autonomous power supplies for servers, duplication of information;

Ø network management using control protocols.

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) WINDOWS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WINDOWS OS FAMILY

Windows family OS. Major Windows OS versions

The Windows family of operating systems are software products of Microsoft Corporation and are a set of programs designed for the effective use of all computer tools in the process of solving user problems and organizing interaction between the user and the computer. OS ensures the joint functioning of all computer devices and provides the user with access to its resources. The Microsoft OS, like the OS from other manufacturers, can be classified according to a number of criteria:

• main purpose;
• number of concurrent users;
• number of tasks simultaneously executed under OS control;
• the method of using hardware and software;
• user interface type;
• system hardware requirements;
• the file system used;
• language version;
• ? MP bit depth, etc.

Let's classify the Microsoft OS according to the most important characteristics.

According to the main purpose, the Windows family of operating systems can be divided into three groups or, as they are also called, lines: 9x - line, NT - line and CE - line. Some authors identify another group (16 - Bit - line), which includes Windows 1.0 (1985), Windows 2.0 (1987), Windows 2.1 (1987), Windows 3.0 (1990), Windows 3.1 (1992), Windows 3.11 (1992). However, these versions were not full-fledged operating systems, but were operating shells for working with MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System, the OS of which was developed by Microsoft in 1981). The main purpose of these versions was to implement a graphical interface for the MS DOS operating system.

The first group (9x line) includes OS versions: Windows 95 (1995), Windows 98 (1998), Windows ME (Millennium Edition, 2000). This OS group was intended for installation on personal computers with 32-bit microprocessors and operating in local (offline) mode. Currently, this OS group is practically not used and is not supported by the developer.

The second group (NT - line, New Technology - new technology) is the largest, it includes the following versions: Windows NT 3.1 (1993), Windows NT 3.5 (1994), Windows NT 3.51 (1995), Windows NT 4.0 (1996), Windows NT 5.0 (Windows 2000, 2000), Windows NT 5.1 (WindowsXP, 2001). Windows NT 5.2 (Windows Server 2003, 2003), Windows NT 6.0 (Windows Vista 2006, 2006), Windows Home Server (2007), Windows Server 2008, Windows NT 6.1 (Windows 7, 2009). The operating systems in this group are completely 32-bit and do not require support from the MS DOS operating system. The main purpose of this group is to support the network mode of the computer. Currently, this group of OSs finds the greatest practical application and is supported by the developer, except for some early versions.

The third group (CE - line, CE - Compact Edition - compact edition) is intended for laptop computers. This group includes the following versions: Windows CE 1.0 (1997), Windows CE 2.0 (1998), Windows CE 3.0 (2000), Windows CE 4.0 (2002), Windows Mobile 2003 (2003), Windows Mobile 5.0 (2005), Windows Mobile 6.0 (2007).

Based on the number of simultaneously working users, single- and multi-user operating systems are distinguished. The main difference between them is the availability of means of protection against unauthorized access. Multi-user operating systems have means to protect each user from unauthorized access by other users. Each user can log into (load) a multi-user OS with his own password, and he is allocated his own segment of the computer’s main memory. An example of multi-user operating systems are versions of the first and second groups of the Windows family.

Based on the number of simultaneously executed tasks, OSes are divided into single- and multi-tasking. The Windows family of operating systems are multitasking with preemptive multitasking. A user working with a Windows operating system can simultaneously perform several tasks in different windows, while the windows on the screen are assigned to different tasks. Windows OS runs in protected mode (protected mode), those. When using a microprocessor in multitasking mode, running programs do not interfere with each other.

Based on the way they use hardware and software, operating systems can be divided into network and local operating systems. Network operating systems include the main versions of the second and third groups of the Windows family, and local versions include the first group.

Based on the type of user interface, the OS can be divided into OSs that provide the user with text and graphical interfaces. Windows operating systems provide the user with a graphical interface.

Of the versions of Windows OS listed above, the most popular currently for installation on personal computers are the versions of Windows XP OS, Windows Vista OS and Windows 7 OS.

Let's give brief description these versions of Windows OS and describe the capabilities they provide to users.

Windows XP was released by Microsoft in October 2001 and is a development of Windows 2000 Professional. The name XP comes from the English eXPerience, which means experience. Microsoft has introduced three major editions of Windows XP: Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional Edition, and Windows XP 64-bit Edition. In addition to the main releases of Windows XP OS, there were additional ones, which include: Windows XP OS Media Center Edition (based on Windows XP Professional Edition and contains special multimedia applications), Windows XP Embedded OS (embedded component OS on Windows based XP Professional Edition, it is intended for use in various embedded systems: ATMs, medical devices, cash terminals, slot machines, etc.), Windows Embedded for Point of Service OS (specialized OS based on Windows XP Embedded OS, configured for points services, it is optimized for retail and service industries), etc. Next, we will focus on the main releases of Windows XP.

The Windows XP Home Edition OS was aimed at users of home personal computers (installed on laptops). This release differed from the previous version of Windows 2000 with a new look and feel that made daily tasks easier and more efficient. Improved capabilities for working with digital images and music recordings both when working on a local personal computer and when exchanging them via the Internet.

Windows XP Professional OS is a more powerful OS compared to previous versions of the OS, which is associated with a high level of scalability and reliability of the OS. It is intended mainly for corporate users. The scalability of this OS consists of support for RAM, which can be increased to 4 GB, and support for increasing the power of the microprocessor (for example, installing two microprocessors).

Let us list the main features provided to the user of the Windows XP Professional OS, which can also be interpreted

How distinctive features of this OS compared to previous versions of the Windows OS family:

• improved user interface, improved design, including more rounded shapes and smoother colors;
• relatively more high level security, including the ability to encrypt folders and files to protect corporate information;
• built-in support for high-performance multiprocessor systems;
• the ability to quickly switch users, allowing you to temporarily interrupt the work of one user and log in as another user, while leaving the applications launched by the first user enabled;
• convenience when performing various operations due to the wizards built into the OS (for example, “Desktop Cleanup Wizard”, “Network Installation and Configuration Wizard”, “Shortcut Creation Wizard”, “Internet Connection Wizard”, etc.);
• OS recovery, designed to return the system to a certain previous state, as well as improving other methods of system recovery. So, when loading the last successful configuration, the previous set of drivers is also loaded, which in some cases allows you to easily restore the system in case of problems that arose as a result of installing drivers, the ability to roll back drivers, i.e. return to previous versions drivers (computer programs that ensure the functioning of computer peripheral devices) due to software failures, etc.;
• more advanced system management functions from the command line;
• Explorer utility supports digital graphic and audio formats;
• Windows XP Professional includes technologies developed by Roxio that allow you to write data to optical discs without installing additional software;
• The OS includes Windows Media Audio Player, which allows you to play digital media, including music, video, optical discs and Internet radio;
• Windows XP Professional OS can work with ZIP archives without installing additional software;
• Laptop support tools, including DualView and GeogTure technologies. DualView technology (working with two monitors) allows you to display your computer’s “Desktop” on two monitors controlled by one video adapter. For example, in addition to the LCD display, laptop computers can be connected to an external monitor. The use of this technology improves user productivity and does not require additional microprocessors. OeagTure technology improves the clarity of text on the LCD screen, since it triples the horizontal resolution of displayed text on the computer screen, and also has an Internet connection firewall, etc.

The developer must maintain any software product released to the market. During the maintenance process, noticed malfunctions in the operation of the program, errors, so-called holes in the protection system against unauthorized access, etc. are eliminated. Windows XP is no exception. During the period of support of the Windows XP OS, Microsoft Corporation also eliminated shortcomings in the OS and periodically released service packs for the OS. The purpose of these software packages was to fix identified problems and add new features.

The first service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows XP was released in September 2002. The most important innovations in the package were: support USB interface 2.0, the introduction of a utility that allows you to select default programs for viewing e-mail, the implementation of the Java Virtual Machine (Java Virtual Machine, the Java virtual machine interprets and executes Java bytecode, previously created from the source text of a Java program by the Java compiler. Since virtual Java machines are available for many hardware and software platforms, Java can also be considered as a middleware software, and as an independent platform), the file encryption system (Encrypting File System, EFS) was able to use the AES encryption algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard - a symmetric block encryption algorithm with a block size of 128 bits and a key of 128/192/256 bits, adopted as a standard encryption by the US government in May 2002) with a 256-bit key, etc. Windows support XP Service Pack 1 ended in October 2006.

The second Service Pack 2 (SP2) (codenamed Springboard) was released in August 2004. The most important innovations of SP2: an improved firewall (firewall - formed by a transliteration of the English term firewall, equivalent to the term "firewall", is currently not an official borrowed word in the Russian language, an analogue of the English word firewall is the German word brandmauer (firewall), which literally translated into Russian means a wall that separates adjacent buildings, preventing the spread of fire); master of supporting Wi-Fi connections to the Internet and Bluetooth (English translation of the nickname of the Danish king Harald 1 Bluetooth (910-986), who united Denmark with Norway. His name was chosen as the name of the technology because Bluetooth was originally conceived as a means for simple connections between computers and telecommunications devices), Bluetooth technology provides information exchange on radio frequencies in the range of 2.4-2.48 GHz (licensing-free range) for short-range communication with a radius of 10-100 m between devices such as pocket and ordinary personal computers, Cell phones, laptops, printers, digital cameras, etc.), as well as an improved version Internet browser Explorer (IE6, for example, the ability to block pop-ups on the Internet). This update package has made significant changes to the security of Windows XP. Thus, the built-in firewall underwent significant changes, which was renamed Windows Firewall and activated for all created connections by default. Security changes have affected both the Outlook Express email program and the IE browser. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes Windows Security Center, which makes it easier to monitor system security by monitoring and reminding the user to install or update an antivirus and its databases, activate a built-in or third-party firewall, update the operating system or change browser settings, etc. d. Since July 2008, Microsoft has stopped supporting Windows XP SP2.

The third service pack, Service Pack 3 (final version), was introduced by Microsoft in April 2008. The package includes all updates released since the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 in 2004, as well as a number of other new elements. Among them is the protection function network access(Network Access Protection) and a new activation model, borrowed from Windows Vista, in addition, improved detection of so-called routers - “black holes”, etc. has appeared. Currently, the Windows XP SP3 OS is supplied to the market in the form of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and boxed version (BOX) versions.

It is also important to note here that Microsoft Corporation ceased as of April 14, 2009 free support Windows XP OS, and from now on, Windows XP OS users cannot contact Microsoft for free technical support. Now they will have to use “extended support” services for this, i.e. All requests are paid. This support will continue until April 8, 2014.

Windows XP 64-bit Edition was developed specifically for workstations based on 64-bit Intel Itanium microprocessors. This OS provides support for additional memory, increases the speed of I/O operations, and expands the capabilities for calculating floating point variables. This OS is a fairly powerful platform for technical and analytical development, as well as for financial and statistical analysis. This Windows edition XP has not been developed since 2005, after HP (Hewlett Packard, USA) stopped developing workstations with Intel Itanium microprocessors. Support for this architecture remains in server versions of the operating system. Windows systems.

Windows Vista OS also belongs to the NT - line (NT - line, New Technology - a new technology focused on network work) of operating systems of the Microsoft Windows NT family, and in particular, in this line it is called Windows NT 6.0 OS. Used primarily on consumer personal computers. Microsoft officially released Windows Vista on November 30, 2006 for corporate clients, and on January 30, 2007, retail sales of the OS began. Microsoft has introduced several releases (variants, editions) of Windows Vista. Let's consider the main ones:

• Windows Vista Starter OS is the most inexpensive and accessible option for entry-level users. The basic set of features of Windows Vista Starter is limited compared to other editions, but the main thing is that it remains compatible with all modern applications and devices. In fact, this is an operating system for beginners who are taking their first steps in mastering a personal computer and do not want to overpay for software when purchasing their first computer;
• Windows Vista Home Basic OS also refers to a fairly simple and affordable version of the Windows Vista OS, intended primarily for home users. It has all the main characteristics of a new generation OS: security, support for advanced parental controls, a basic user interface, new search and data organization functions, improved networking. At the hardware level, this is support for one microprocessor (with an unlimited number of cores) with 8 GB of maximum RAM for the Amd64 platform (64-bit) and 4 GB for the x86 platform (32-bit);

Windows Vista Home Premium is the primary version of Windows Vista for home desktop and mobile PC users. In addition to the capabilities provided by Windows Vista Home Basic, this version supports a 3D interface Windows user Aero, has Windows Media Center and a number of additional features for working with multimedia data (for example, editing and DVD recording). At the hardware level, the Windows Vista Home Premium OS supports up to two microprocessors with 16 GB of maximum RAM, HDTV (High Definition TV is one of the directions of television development in the world, its Russian name is high-definition television, which allows you to watch TV programs, movies with high resolution 1920 by 1080 pixels, unlike conventional television, which uses an image resolution of 720 by 576 pixels), video DVD recording, support touch screens, automatic backup. However, in this option there is no possibility of joining the domain and the editor of group and local policies, no EFS support;

Windows Vista Business OS is the primary hardware platform for enterprise-class desktop and mobile personal computers. This OS version is suitable for small, medium and large businesses, contains all the functions of Windows Vista Home Basic (except for a number of entertainment ones) and has a number of specific features. Thus, Windows Vista Business OS supports the Windows Aero interface, supports Group Policy, encryption file system, support for faxes and scanners, etc. At the hardware level, Windows Vista Business supports up to two processors, the Windows Aero interface, group policy and the EFS encrypted file system. However, in this version the multimedia part is reduced and there are no entertainment applications;

Windows Vista Enterprise is an enhanced version of Vista for corporate personal computers and laptops. In addition to the features of Vista Business, this option includes Windows BitLocker drive encryption, support for all existing interface languages, Virtual PC Express, and Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications (SUA), i.e. This OS option is suitable for large enterprises and organizations with complex infrastructure. At the hardware level, it is similar to the previous version of the OS;

Windows Vista Ultimate is an option that includes all the features of Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise. In this version, the multimedia part is well developed, support for animated desktop wallpaper is implemented, and it is also possible to change the operating system user interface language at will.

The Windows Vista operating system that has entered the market is also supported by Microsoft. This support consists of regularly updating the OS, eliminating identified problems and adding new OS features.

The first service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows Vista was released on April 15, 2008. This service pack made it possible to copy files on local computers at a higher speed (25% faster) and more quickly process high-resolution images. In addition, SP1 includes additions that improve the compatibility of the operating system with new video adapters and some types of monitors and printers. The update package also includes fixes that reduce the time the computer wakes from sleep mode, improve the performance of the IE 7.0 browser, and improve the power management scheme for laptops. SP1 also includes all previously released patches. Before installing SP1, the Windows Update system checks the computer for problematic components and, if any are found, postpones the installation.

The second update package, Service Pack 2 (SP2), is the most popular at the moment. SP2 provides: Bluetooth support 2.1/3.0 (only a beta driver is available for Bluetooth 3.0), support for 64-bit VIA processors, the ability to record Blu-ray optical discs "blue ray" - got its name from the short-wave (405 nm) “blue” laser used for writing and reading, the letter “e” was deliberately excluded from the word blue to be able to register the name as a trademark), more easy setup wireless networks Wi-Fi (Windows Connect Now Wizard, WCN), 1CCD/CCID smart card support, higher performance for HD video playback, etc. In addition, it should be noted that SP2 cannot be installed without first installing SP1. This is done to combine the SP for two platforms - Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

On May 25, 2009, SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 became available for public download from the Microsoft website in English, German, Spanish, French and Japanese, and on July 1, 2009, SP2 for Windows Vista in Russian became available for automatic installation via Windows Update.

We list the main features provided to the user by Windows Vista OS in comparison with Windows XP Professional OS, which can be interpreted as distinctive features of this OS in comparison with Windows XP Professional OS:

• The boot time of Windows Vista OS is less than Windows XP OS, in addition, the time to enter and exit sleep mode has been reduced to 6 seconds. However, after loading the user interface, it takes a longer time to start working properly, while background processes, which greatly complicates the work of user programs;
• ? thanks to the use of “Windows Ready Boost” technology, it has become possible to use external flash memory as RAM, which in some cases increases OS performance by 40%;
• application of a complex of technical Windows solutions Aero (Aero is an abbreviation for English, authentic- authentic, energetic - vigorous, reflective- responsive and open- open). Windows Aero uses window animations to open, close, minimize, and restore, making the OS more intuitive to use. Transparent window elements with background blur allow the user to concentrate only on the contents of the active window, etc.;
• provides better protection against hacker attacks and computer viruses, especially network ones;
• completely redesigned logic model interaction between the OS and graphics devices.

Windows 7 OS belongs to the line of operating systems of the Microsoft Windows NT family, and in particular is the Windows NT 6.1 OS, used mainly on user personal computers.

Windows 7 OS officially went on sale on October 22, 2009, i.e. less than three years after the release of the previous Windows Vista operating system. Microsoft has introduced six editions of the Windows 7 OS: Windows 7 Starter OS (initial version of the OS), Windows 7 Home Basic OS (home basic version of the OS), Windows 7 Home Premium OS (home premium version of the OS), Windows 7 Professional OS (professional version OS), Windows 7 Enterprise OS (corporate version of the OS) and Windows 7 Ultimate OS (maximum version of the OS). All of the editions listed above, with the exception of Windows 7 Starter, exist in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

It is easy to notice that the number of released editions of Windows Vista OS and Windows 7 OS coincides, in addition, some of the names of the editions, their features and capabilities are the same, so we will not dwell here in detail on the features and capabilities of each edition of Windows 7 OS, but will only note the main features, distinguishing Windows 7 from Windows Vista:

• Windows 7 uses multi-touch - a technology that allows you to simultaneously detect and determine the coordinates of at least three touch points on a multi-touch screen;
• The Branch Cache network technology used in Windows 7 allows for effective caching of information coming from the Internet;
• Closer integration with driver manufacturers, most of them are detected automatically, and are saved in 90% of cases backward compatibility with drivers for Windows Vista OS;
• ? new, 11th was applied DirectX version, released as part of Windows 7, which has the following advantages over existing versions: added support for new computing shaders(massively parallel computing), multi-threaded capability available rendering(the process of obtaining an image from a model using computer program), improved tessellation(V computer graphics a method by which it is possible to increase the number of polygons in a polygonal three-dimensional model using Bezier curves), new texture compression algorithms have appeared, etc.;
• Windows 7 supports folder aliases internally; for example, the Program Files folder in some localized versions of Windows was translated and displayed with the translated name, but remained English at the file system level;
• Windows 7 OS is more compatible with Windows XP OS than Windows Vista OS (SP1, SP2); for example, it was impossible to run some old Windows XP programs on Windows Vista;
• The security of Windows 7 has been improved, so the likelihood of computer viruses getting into Windows 7 is 25% lower than in Windows Vista, and 20% lower than in Windows Vista SP2. Windows 7, which entered the market, just like previous operating systems,

maintained by Microsoft Corporation. The final Russian version of the first service pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 was released in the first quarter of 2011. SP1 included mainly bug fixes and patches for vulnerabilities identified since the announcement of the platform in October 2009. The update contains All patches - automated, separately supplied software tools used to eliminate identified problems in the main software product.

The Windows operating system has neither less nor more, but thirty years of experience, during which it has gone through a difficult path of development from the very first Windows 1.0, created by Bill Gates back in 1985, to the current tenth version.

And even though the first version of Windows was not an independent operating system, it paved the way for future graphic systems from Microsoft.

Windows 95

The year 1995 was marked by the release of a new multitasking Windows graphics system, which already presented its Russian version in November of the same year.

This operating system had a huge set of innovations that made it the most recognizable among similar products.

Windows 95 acquired a full-fledged graphical interface and became a truly independent system.

She was able to surprise everyone with the menu that appeared « Start», system tray, as well as the basis of all basics - the desktop.

The average user was attracted to this operating system by its extremely simple and very convenient interface.

When you press the button « Start» a small window opened with all the necessary tools, among which were « Search», « Reference», « Execute», « Stop» And « Shutdown ».

In addition, there was an item « Settings», which allowed you to customize not only the control panel and taskbar, but also printers installed by users.

Also, such an important item was added to this window as « Programs». It displayed all the programs that participated in startup, as well as standard ones, containing a decent set of necessary elements.

Some of them became a kind of calling card of Microsoft Corporation and were passed on to all subsequent versions of Windows with enviable stability.

It’s even impossible to imagine any version of this operating system without games « Sapper», « Hearts», and also solitaire « Kerchief».

Nowadays, we also sometimes don’t mind relaxing after a hard day at work and playing cards on our home computer.

Total Windows 2000 received 4 service packs and two collections of patches.

All of them were aimed not only at correcting security flaws in the operating system, but also at solving other serious problems.

Windows XP

The next stage in the development of network operating systems was Windows XP, which during development bore the internal name Whistler.

This Microsoft product was released in October 2001 and was strictly a client system.

Windows XP was rightfully one of the most best systems in the world, as it had not only a simple and most convenient interface, but also an improved color scheme.

Almost all visual elements of this operating system had a colorful and voluminous appearance, and low system requirements any hardware making it the most popular and used operating system.

Over the years, quite a large number of versions have been released Windows XP, however, two of them were available to the Russian-speaking user - Windows XP Professional Edition And Windows XP Home Edition.

The first was intended, to a greater extent, for enterprises and all kinds of entrepreneurs and had a rich set of functions in its arsenal.

Among them, it is worth noting the presence of remote desktop access, support for multiprocessor configurations, and the ability to encrypt files.

Home Edition was released on the same kernel as Professional Edition, however, it was a stripped-down version of it.

As a result, this operating system was relatively inexpensive and was used on home PCs.

Windows Vista

Another product of the NT family was Windows Vista, which was launched in January 2007.

This system was aimed primarily at working on personal home computers and workstations.

Compared to XP Vista began to have a new interface design and updated input and output controls.

In addition, Vista has introduced new feature hibernation mode, based on "hibernation files".

This function made it possible to restore work not only using RAM data, but also a copy of it, which was saved on the computer’s hard drive.

The operating system has added transparent side panel, which the user could fill with the mini-applications he liked.

To avoid infecting the operating system with viruses from external media() V Windows Vista By default, their autorun function was disabled.

Quite interesting and useful option a parental control function was introduced, with which it was possible to restrict children’s access not only to some sites, but also to the use of some.

Windows 7

In 2009, another representative of the same NT line went on sale - Windows 7, which is still extremely popular all over the world.

The goal of this system is unity for all existing devices - PCs, and for which a single application store was created.

Options	Minimum Requirements	Minimum Requirements
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1GHz or more	1GHz or more
RAM	2GB	2GB
Video card	Supports DirectX9	Supports DirectX9
Free hard disk space